The south coast course

This course takes you along Wakayama's southern coastline.
Make stops along the way at the Kushimoto Kaichu Koen Center marine park, Cape Shionomisaki, and two
rest stop stations. Pedal across Kushimoto Bridge to the small island of Oshima, and head back to the
mainland to ride past the impressive natural monuments of Hashigui-iwa Rock and Ichimai-iwa
Monolith.

Ocean

Scenic views and marine education

View the ocean as you ride the coastal paths and find out more about
what lies beneath the waves at the Kushimoto Kaichu Koen Center marine park.

Nanki-Shirahama Airport

There are three direct flights a day from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to
Wakayama’s Nanki-Shirahama Airport. Booking flights is easy and flying into the area is a time-efficient and cost-effective option.

START

Rental Cycle Info &
TipsThere are three rental cycle shops in the Susami area. The closest shop for
train travellers is Sunset Susami, around 500 meters from Susami Station. The other two are
located along the coast at the rest stop stations of Michi-no-Eki Inbootan Land Susami and
Michi-no-Eki Susami. There are nine Cycle Stations dotted in the surrounding area, where bicycle
pumps and tools are available. Some of the Cycle Stations have restroom facilities. Research
the location of Cycle Stations in Wakayama. Be aware
that rental bicycles need to be
returned to the store they were originally rented from. Check the rental time period with store
staff and adapt
your itinerary accordingly.

1JR Susami Station

Susami Station is located around 25 kilometres down the coast on the
Kisei Main Line from the beach resort of Shirahama. Begin your ride from Susami to
explore Wakayama's southern tip.

2Bush De Coffee

Follow the road as it winds down the coast and through the mountains.
Stop for refreshment in this modern coffee shop overlooking the ocean. The café is an
ideal spot for a morning coffee—it opens at 11:00—or for a leisurely lunch.

3Michi-no-Eki Susami

The road continues to hug the coast as you ride down to this oceanside
rest stop station. The facility has a large restaurant, a shop selling local produce,
restroom facilities, and the only aquarium in Japan specialising in crabs and
shrimps.

4Kushimoto Kaichu Koen Center

This marine park has a large aquarium housing a wide range of marine
life from vibrantly coloured coral reef fish, sharks, rays, and a tank of sea turtles.
Head to the Underwater Observation Tower to view fish in their natural habitat, and ride
the glass-bottomed sightseeing boat further out into the ocean. The coral communities in
the Kushimoto waters are registered under the Ramsar Convention.

5Cape Shionomisaki

After exploring the sea around Kushimoto, ride further down the coast
to the southernmost point in Honshu—Japan's largest island. Climb up to magnificent
views of the ocean at the top of the 120-year-old lighthouse, relax on the large lawn,
and enjoy a bowl of rice topped with the highly regarded Kindai Maguro tuna sashimi.

6Kushimoto Bridge

From the cape area, cycle across the Kushimoto Bridge with its
distinctive loop to the small islet of Kii-Oshima. Stop off at Pan to Cafe nagi. The
bakery and café's extensive menu of pizza slices, bread and cakes use homemade wheat,
local fruits and vegetables, and water from Kushimoto.

7Hashigui-iwa Rock

Ride back over the Kushimoto Bridge and follow the coastal road. Pedal
through the town of Kushimoto to this stretch of otherworldly rocks set out at sea. The
jagged and pointy formation appears like a bridge and is a popular spot for taking
photographs.

8Kaki-gori

Much more than just "shaved ice" as it is commonly translated,
Kaki-gori is the quintessential Japanese summer dessert. Made from high-quality ice, the
texture is smooth, almost creamy. The dessert can be customised with syrups, and,
depending on the store, fresh fruit.

5 km ~

9Kozagawa River

Around five kilometres further up the coast from Hashigui-iwa Rock is
the town of Koza. The Kozagawa River that runs through the town and deeper into the
mountains is known for its emerald green, crystal clear water. In summer, head down to
the water's edge and cool off in the river. Don't forget your towel.

10Takinohai

Follow Route 43 into the mountains to reach Takinohai—a waterfall and
bedrock river channel. Jagged and pockmarked with numerous potholes, it makes for an
impressive sight. The water is so clear that fish are visible in the fast flowing
water.

11Ichimai-iwa Monolith

Ride the winding mountain paths back down towards Route 371, and
continue along this larger road to discover the Ichimai-iwa Monolith. Sitting beside the
Kozagawa River, this hulking rock is 100 meters high. The locals refer to it as Japan's
Uluru.

13Wabuka Station

The final leg of the course runs back down to the coast through winding
roads and small villages. Your final destination is Wabuka Station on the Kisei Main
Line, around 45 kilometres away from Shirahama Station.